Ivan Crnjac (201-F-2007) is a 16 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 19,3ppg, 7,0rpg and 1,3apg in the NBBL (U-19) and has played 7 Pro B games averaging 3,3ppg and 1,3rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.
Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?
I wouldn´t say that this was my biggest title. I think reaching the Top 4 in Frankfurt last season and quakifying for the World championships was bigger for me.
How high can one value this title?
I think you can value this higher that some other in season tournaments we have had in the past in Sweden and Austria.
You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?
They were all smaller and quicker and very skilled. They all liked to shoot three´s. It was pretty easy to guard them because we switched a lot. It was difficult for them to finish over us. They did a good job staying with us in games.
You stayed some days in Tokyo. What impressed you most about the country? The city was so clean. There were so many buildings and bill boards everywhere. The whole city was illuminated. It looked really cool. We also visited Shibuya crossing where something like 10,000 people cross at the same time. It was very impressive.
The traffic was crazy. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo? We mostly were on the bus or subway. I didn´t think the traffic was that bad.
How do you feel did you fit best into the offense? Were you a bit in the shadow of Leif Zentgraf?
I don´t feel like I was in the shadow of Leif. We both had different duties. He drove a lot and it was easy for him to get easy baskets against the smaller guards. I took more three pointers. It was tough to drive against the smaller players. The height advantage was huge and made the ball handling difficult so I shot more three´s.
What do you feel could your game take from this tournament? Leif Zentgraf said on offense your game grew because you had to adjust to the quick Japanese players. I think that I did a good job adjusting to their quickness. We also had to adjust better on transition defense. I think this experience will help us play well against annoying teams in the future as well as defending smaller teams.
How do you feel did your game grow on the defensive end? We switched a lot so I didn´t have to defend so much against smaller players, but I had to be quick on my feet on 1-1 defense.
Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season and the series against ratiopharm Ulm?
We will be very motivated against Ulm. That won´t be an easy series. I think that we got better as a team and stayed in the flow. We were able to work on our advantages and weaknesses in the games.
Which player made steps in his play during games? Joshua did a good job at the 4 sharing the ball and led us well as captain. He gave us good tips and was able to solve problems on the court well.
What was your coolest own play during the 4 games? In the final I got a ball in corner mad made a fake then I took a step forward and then took a step back with a dribble through my legs and hit the step back three pointer.
During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news? I found out from a friend from the youth national team. I was very shocked and scared. It is so sad how something like this can happen to a young player. This shouldn´t happen in our country. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.
Marvin Esser (196-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 196cm forward that is currently averaging 8,0ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,7 spg in the German NBBL (U-19). In the Pro B, he has played 6 games averaging 2,5ppg and 1,7rpg. He helped the U-18 Fraport Skyliners win the B League at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.
Congrats Marvin on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?
I think that U-14 title was my biggest title. I was younger and it just had a bigger emotional impact on me. But this title is also a big accomplishment.
How high can one value this title?
I think you can value it high. We as a team made a good step for our team building and preparation for the rest of the NBBL season. We can be proud for winning the title.
You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style? They played so fast. I don´t think that we ever got hit with so many fast break baskets. This experience helped us for the next games. We suffered less fast break baskets from our opponents in the last 3 games. They shot a lot of three´s and switched a lot on defense.
You lived in Tokyo for some days. What impressed you most about the country?
The whole metropolitan area was huge. Everyone was so polite to us. The people were great and the whole area was colorful.
I heard traffic was wild. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?
We took the subway a lot and it was always packed with people. We had to squeeze ourselves in every time. The subway was always on time. But traffic was annoying. I remember being stuck in traffic on the bus.
How would you rate your game? I guess it´s difficult to get shots when guys like Crnjac and the Zentgraf brothers are the first 3 scoring options?
I´m not exactly sure what my stats were but I averaged something around 10/7 in the 4 games. I got more shots here than in the NBBL. I took around 7-8 shots in Japan. I still had a problem with my wrist and had problems with free throws. I feel like I could of worked better on the offensive glass which would have given me more baskets. The pick and roll worked well. My teammates found me well.
What steps did Leif Zentgraf´s game take with earning the MVP award?
He was our leader. He took on the role of Dusan Nikolic very well who was absent. He did a good job scoring points when we needed them. He grew as a leader.
You are like a glue guy. Do you feel like your game was noticed in this tournament? I think it was. I had the length advantage against the Japanese players.
What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?
I have to give more intensity when I go to the rebound. At times I was a bit passive. I feel I did show at times that I was able to use my length and physicality to my advantage.
How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team? Ivan took a lot of three´s. He played a different style. It was important that he got his freedom. It was good that his play wasn´t restricted.
Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season? We have huge motivation now. I feel like we grew together as a team. We all want to beat Ulm.
What was your coolest own play during the 4 games? I had a dunk right in the first game. Leif made the nice pass. I also had a few nice dunks.
During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news? We heard about it after one of our games as we were riding the subway. We saw an Instagram story and heard the sad news. It is unbelievable how something like that can happen in Germany. I give my condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
Leif Zentgraf (198-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 198cm forward that plays for U-19 team Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners. Currently in the NBBL he is averaging 16,5ppg, 6,5rpg, 2,3apg and 1,9spg. He also has played 10 Pro B games averaging 1,4ppg and 1,2rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He was named tournament MVP averaging 23,3ppg, 6,5rpg and 2,5apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.
Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far? I think my biggest title was the U-14 one, but this ranks second.
How high can one value this title? To be honest, we didn´t really have much competition. We were a lot more physical than the Japanese. We knew going in that we could win it. Overall it is still a big success.
Who were some of the teams?
We only played against Japanese teams, but there was also a Chinese team that competed. We mostly had our NBBL players. Dusan Nikolic and Julian Haskins didn´t play. Japan played fast and did more slips and down screens and shot a lot of three´s. We were able to dominate with our physicality.
What impressed you most about the country? The people were very nice to us. We always bowed and everyone always smiled back. They really embraced us with open arms.
I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?
That is for sure. We took the subway and it was so crowded. It was so full. The city was so crowded. It was crazy.
You were tournament MVP averaging 23/6/2 stats. Were you impressed by your own game? To be honest, I really expected to put up these numbers. I was able to use my body to my advantage because of the physicality advantage. I made a lot of lay ups. I wish I could of shared the ball better
What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?
Obviously I got new experience in Japan. Being able to guard smaller quick guards helped my game a lot. Being able to use my body more helped me on the offensive end. The communication between players and coaching staff was also huge as it will help us continue to move forward this season in NBBL play.
What was it like playing with brother Joscha outside Germany? Joscha and I simply have a very special connection. We are brothers. Joscha is a very physical player and his play really helped us dominate our opponents. We could almost do what we wanted to on the court. Marvin Esser was also a big help.
How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team? Ivan played well. He took a lot of three´s which surprised me a bit. He plays a lot like me. He also knows how to use his body well. Overall it was a great experience for him. When he wasn´t shooting three´s, he got experience inside going against the quick guards. In the JBBL, he had no problems getting to the rim easily, but here the Japanese players were able to stay in front of him, so he had to use his fakes more.
Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?
We are very focused now for the rest of the NBBL season. We talked a lot about communication with the younger players. I think our communication improved and we were able to bring that to a new level which will help us in the NBBL season. We easily won the final which usually should be the toughest. But the final game was our easiest. We stuck together better in the final than in the first 3 games. In the final everything came together.
What was your coolest own play during the 4 games? It was in the first game, a step back three and then a dunk.
During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news? This was unbelievable news. That something so senseless like that can happen is crazy. This can happen to anyone. It really disturbs me that something like this can happen in Germany. This shouldn´t happen. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.
Since the grueling home loss to Trier, the Fraport Skyliners were riding a potent 4 game winning streak and had kept 3 of the last 4 opponents to 68 points or less. They followed up their incredible double OT win over Koblenz with a new satisfying road win in Nurnberg and came back home to meet the pesky 12-9 PS Karlsruhe team. They have been playing solid ball having won 2 of their last 3 games including back to back nail bitter wins, but they couldn´t add a third in a row as they lost a heart breaking 94-90 contest in Kirchheim. They came to Frankfurt seeking revenge for the tough 70-68 loss to Frankfurt earlier in the season in their living room and got it from a cold as ice Garai Zeeb who powered PS Karlsruhe to the satisfying 80-69 victory. The German who has 107 easyCredit BBL games on his resume scorched Frankfurt with 21 points and it seemed like with every new shot made, his self confidence climbed another notch. You could see in his eyes that he really wanted to show his ex team on their turf just how good of a player he is. “Garai was really motivated and focused to play against his ex team. I like him also feel that we can play both at a high level. Garai told me before the game that he wanted to prove against Frankfurt that he can play at a high level. It was nice that we both did”, smiled PS Karlsruhe guard O´Showen Williams. It wasn´t only Zeeb who sparkled but it was the whole team as that special team chemistry was present and they played with high intensity for 40 minutes. “We had leads a lot this season where we panicked. We didn´t want that to happen again. We played at our own pace and controlled the game. We knew that Frankfurt plays with patience on the court and like to use the whole 24 seconds on the shot clock. Our goal was to play good defense for the whole 24 seconds and just stay connected. We stayed poised and let our defense dictate our offense. We play unselfish on offense and just trust each other”, stated Georgia, native O´Showen Williams. The Fraport Skyliners had too many up and down phases and were missing that general that could take over in difficult phases. “They played tougher than we did. They gave you nothing on defense and we had to work hard for every shot. We couldn´t match their intensity for 40 minutes”, stressed Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat.
David Muenkat to the hole
The first few minutes was an intense battle where both teams tried to set the tone and both teams scored well. PS Karlsruhe got three´s from Zeeb and Williams while the Fraport Skyliners got an early trey from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz and 2 lay in´s by 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as Frankfurt had the tight 7-5 advantage. But then came the turning point of the game as PS Karlsruhe jumped all over Frankfurt with a lethal 14-2 run to get the overwhelming 19-9 lead that had Frankfurt having to play catch up basketball all afternoon long. The guests got 2 three´s by Williams and one three by Zeeb and a put back by Danish forward Bakkary Dibba and a lay in by ex Jena forward Melvin Joostman. The guests had superior ball movement and showed that intact team chemistry with that extra pass and no ego play while on defense, they didn´t allow Frankfurt to get inside, so they had to attempt contested three´s. The PS Karlsruhe bench also gave great energy and they simply had more intensity crashing the boards. Ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain stopped the run with a clutch trey as Frankfurt trailed 19-12. But there was absolutely no let down by the guests as they cruised on a 8-3 run to have the commanding 27-15 lead after 10 minutes. In the run, PS Karlsruhe continued to get solid support from Dibba with a trey and Zeeb as always in attack mode as he added 5 points. Did Frankfurt underestimate PS Karlsruhe a bit? “We have been playing with a chip on our shoulders since the start of the season where everyone picked us to finish last. We have proved that we can compete with anyone in the league. The team followed my lead. I began the game aggressive at both ends. Zeeb got hot so we gave him the ball and then it was Dibba´s turn. We give the ball to whoever was hot”, stated Oshowen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 63% from the field and 67% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Bakary Dibba at the FT line
In the second quarter it looked like PS Karlsruhe would totally decide the game early as they led by 20 points, but the Fraport Skyliners had a big run to get back into the game, but they still trailed by double figures at the break. PS Karlsruhe totally caught Frankfurt off guard as they punched Frankfurt with an annoying 11-2 run to lead 37-17. In the run, it was Zeeb again who continued his mesmorizing and terrorizing game with 7 points as he dropped 2 three´s. Dibba continued to be aggressive on the glass scoring while rookie Vic Bailey who beat NCAA powerhouse Kentucky twice made a lay up. PS Karlsruhe continued to play great aggressive defense not allowing Frankfurt to generate a flow as they had little ball movement that led to terrible shots and just overall sloppy play. When they did get a bucket, it was because of isolation play by a Mcclain who can play that game. Frankfurt somehow rebounded from their morbid situation and slapped the guests back with a 12-2 run to trail 39-29. In the run, Frankfurt upped their defensive intensity and were rewarded with 2 Justin Onyejiaka transition baskets, while Brenneke upped his intensity and aggressiveness in the paint getting a dunk and tip in. Ex Wurzburg guard Julian Albus stopped the run with a three pointer as he is always reliable from down town as he twice averaged 40% in a season in the Pro B. Frankfurt had more confidence and executed well in the last minute closing out the second quarter with a Brenneke left handed lay in and Onyejiaka lay in to trail 45-33. “Basketball is a game of runs. Sometimes we get too emotional and get down when we get hit by a run. We did a good job weathering the storm when they had their run”, commented O´showen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 57% from the field and 60% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Lorenz Brenneke at the FT line
In the third quarter PS Karlsruhe continued to control the game never allowing the Fraport Skyliners to get over the hump as Frankfurt couldn´t cut the lead down more than to 8 points. Frankfurt actually had a strong first few minutes of the second half as they roared out on a 4-0 run and made 3 stops to trail only 45-37. Warnholtz displayed a lay in and Justin Onyejiaka was aggressive as usual sinking 2 free throws. But Frankfurt just couldn´t hold the consistency as they had to many down phases. Zeeb stopped the mini run with a lay in which was followed by a Williams trey and Dibba free throws and suddenly Frankfurt was trailing 52-37. The intensity level of Frankfurt sunk again and the guests aggressive defense forced turnovers. A Muenkat dunk was followed by a Albus three pointer and Frankfurt trailed 55-39. Then came an up phase by Frankfurt as they somehow mustered a 7-0 run to trail 55-46. In the run, Mcclain dropped another trey and German Nolan Adekunle and Jacob Knauf were set up beautifully by Swiss army knife Cameron Henry. But once again, Frankfurt could make more damage off another run as the guests got another three pointer by Zeeb and received incredible support from the bench from Australian Lachlan Dent with a floater and a Joostman tip in to lead 62-50 after 30 minutes. “We practice harder than the way we play in games. We may not be the biggest or smartest team, but we make that up with intensity and energy”, warned O´showen Williams. “They continued to play tough and just brought that same intensity for 40 minutes which we couldn´t match”, expressed David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe shot 48% from the field and 43% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
Garai Zeeb from downtown
In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and delivered a little come back in crunch-time, but they never got closer than 6 points. Frankfurt had another lightening start to a quarter as they hit PS Karlsruhe with a mini 4-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 62-54 as bigs Brenneke and Samare were aggressive in the paint area scoring twice. But whenever Frankfurt countered, PS Karlsruhe always had an answer denying a bigger run. Dent made a free throw and Joostman connected on transition as Frankfurt trailed 65-54. Frankfurt had had 2 good looks on their last 2 possessions, but just couldn´t make the shots. Frankfurt simply had to little offensive execution as they got baskets from Samare and Muenklat, but still trailed 70-59. Booker Coplin had been a disappointment as he had had a tough shooting day and didn´t achieve his first field goal until the 3,13 minute mark as Frankfurt trailed 70-62. Henry made a turn around shot as Frankfurt trailed 71-64, but Zeeb had an answer with a tough lay in in traffic for the 75-64 guests lead. “He made tough shots. He got going early and it´s tough to stop a guy when he gets his rhythm going early”, added David Muenkat. Frankfurt had one last gasp of energy as they got consecutive buckets from Knauf and a timely trey by Cameron Henry to trail 75-69 with 1,20 to play. But Frankfurt then suffered a technical foul by head coach Dennis Wucherer and Williams made 3 free throws and Dibba closed out the win with a massive dunk. “We stayed composed. We got better as a team today. We didn´t panic and made our free throws and took care of the ball”, stressed O´showen Williams. “They got stops and took good shots. They did a good job always supplying pressure and never settling. We did a good job chipping away, but didn´t have our feet on the gas pedal long enough”, warned David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe was led by Garai Zeeb with 21 points. Bakary Dibba and O´showen Williams supplied 17 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Kevin Mcclain and Lorenz Brenneke with 13 points a piece. PS Karlsruhe shot 47% from the field and 42% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 30% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
The Dragons Rhondorf spirted play continued the last weeks as they[NS1] came back into their smug living room in the Dragon Dome sporting a 4 game winning streak. The next game was a special one in Dragon country as it was the carnival game as there were many many fans dressed up in very interesting costumes. The Dragons Rhondorf next opponent was Orange Academy the ambitious farm team of 2023 easyCredit BBL champion ratiopharm Ulm who came to Rhondorf sporting a 11-7 record and were chasing the Dragons in the standings with their 15-3 record. Both teams had a very potent offense, but also allowed many points. It is always interesting to see what players would play for Orange Academy as Ulm had a game in Bonn the same evening only 20 minutes away. On a rather mild evening, Orange Academy arrived on the court missing a few key players, but that didn´t hinder them from coming together as a team as other guys stepped up like Jervis Scheffs who played very adult like leading his team past the Dragons Rhondorf 84-78. It was a game of ups and downs for both teams, but in crunch-time, it was Orange Academy that had the better nerves and better execution. “We were missing many guys, but our young guys made a step in this game. Every guy gave much energy and all they had for 40 minutes. We were well prepared and played a good zone not allowing them to attack as much as they wanted to and made them shoot more from outside. We moved the ball well and hit well”, stressed Orange Academy German Jervis Scheffs (192-G-2007) The Dragons Rhondorf fought hard, but had too many ups and downs in the game and just didn´t have the same kind of energy as the hungry guests. “We weren´t consistent enough for 40 minutes on defense. We didn´t play with the usual energy that we bring”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola.
Alec Anigbata at the FT line
The Dragons were missing young guard Marko Rosic who had injured his left leg, but had new German Ferenc Gille on board as he made his home debut. Orange Academy were missing Joel Cwik, Linus Stoll and Sebastian Pachucki who were all ill. The Dragons Rhondorf came out flat allowing Orange Academy to grab the rapid 7-0 lead. In the run, the guests got massive energy from 16 year old Dutch big man Endurance Aiyamenkhue who scored inside twice while ex FC Bayern Munich 2 forward Alec Anigbata hit a trey. Orange Academy stopped the Dragons first 4 possessions as it seemed like they underestimated the guests. But that basketball is a game of runs has always been present as Rhondorf slapped the guests with 7 unanswered points to dead lock the game at 7-7. In the run the Dragons received got solid input from Las Vegas native Omojola with a lay in, while Texas native Avery Sullivan produced an offensive rebound and put back and ex Bamberg guard Tyreese Blunt connected on a three pointer. Rhondorf calmed down and played faster and got good presence inside from the big man duo of Sullivan and Gille. But Rhondorf was unable to keep their momentum as Orange Academy roared back on a 13-6 run to lead 20-12. Orange Academy continued to play with high intensity and just shared the ball nicely. Ex NCAA guard Sigu Jawara got into the act making a trey and a floater. The ups and downs of Rhondorf continued as they had no defensive intensity and weren´t aggressive enough on the rebound. Down the stretch, Tyresse Blunt got going making 2 buckets, but couldn´t get close to Orange Academy as they continued to execute well getting baskets from Sceffs and Anigbata to lead 29-20 after 10 minutes. “We saw the same scenario in the first game. We like to run and just outran them. We did a pretty good job in the last minutes keeping their big men out of the zone”, stated Jervis Scheffs Orange Academy shot 56% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Janne Muller runner
In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to make a come back and at the break the game was deadlocked at 45-45. Rhondorf began with a swift 8-0 run to trail only 29-28. In the run, the Dragons showed once again how valuable their depth is as any guy can step up as this time it was ex Ehingen forward Antonio Pilipovic who contributed 5 points and ex Paderborn guard Badu Buck made a lay in. Rhondorf had upped their intensity and made smart decisions while displaying nice inside out basketball. Rhondorf would take the advantage 33-31 with a pretty finger tip role lay in from Gille. Ex Weber State guard and Barcelona native Jawara tied the game with a step back jumper at 33-33. The Dragons Rhondorf then showed how lethal their offense can be when they want to as they erupted on a 11-0 run to lead 44-33. In the run, the Westbrook like player Tyreese Blunt supplied 8 points as he showed his 3 level scoring abilities. Orange Academy seemed to lose more energy with every new basket that the Dragons made. However a smart time out was called and then came the next run as Orange Academy punched back with a 12-1 run to tie the game at 45-45. Orange Academy simply played smart basketball. They didn´t do anything fancy, but just got to the free throw line and produced 9 free points from Scheffs, Holbach, and Philipp Hecker. Scheffs then put icing on the cake with a buzzer beater trey. “Coach told us during the time out not to hang our heads. We had led once before. He wanted us to play like how we started and we did that”, stated Jervis Scheffs “Orange Academy shot 41% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot56% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Jervis Scheffs runner
In the third quarter, it was Orange Academy´s time again to take control of the game and they would never look back again. Sullivan and Aiyamenkhue traded baskets to begin the third quarter, but Orange Academy had the 48-47 lead as the young 16 year old made an and one free throw. Orange Academy then showed how explosive they can be as they strolled out on a 13-1 run to take the commanding 61-49 lead. In the run it was the Sheffs show as he produced 9 points. He was no 16 year old kid, but simply a young man that played very adult like. He made a clutch trey and made 6 free throws showing his patience. Rhondorf had a horrible phase having 3 turnovers in a row and just didn´t play like a team. The Dragons were showing too much hero ball, something very frightening since one is used to usually seeing nice team play. The Dragons Rhondorf tried to stick together and got some important baskets from ex Wulfen guard Matej Silic and young German Janne Muller, but still trailed 63-54. Down the stretch, the Dragons got some big buckets from Tyreese Blunt to still be in the game trailing 68-60. Orange Academy continued to control the boards having the 34-25 rebound advantage and had the 12-6 offensive rebound edge. The shooting percentages were almost even and both teams had 12 turnovers a piece, but Orange Academy had the 8 point lead. “I and my other young teammates may be young, but we still already have a lot of experience. We have enough talent to be able to play well at this level. I showed what I could do. I play and give everything. That is just how I play”, warned Jervis Scheffs “Those young Players play very well for their age. Their energy was amazing. It was infectious on the whole team”, warned Kelvin Omojola.
Ferenc Gille at the FT line
In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight back, but there would be no happy end as they could only cut it down to 2 points before losing in their living room. Sullivan opened up the fourth quarter with a trey, but Anigbata responded with a trey as Orange Academy led 71-63. Janne Muller responded with quick instincts and snuck inside with a reverse lay up as the Dragons were pressing trailing 71-65. Rhondorf continued to battle and score as Omojola hit a 20 footer to trail 73-70, but they couldn´t ring up a string of consecutive stops. Orange Academy always had an answer as Anigbata made a three pointer and Hecker a free throw for the 77-73 advantage. Jamara then nailed a in your face three pointer for the 80-74 Orange Academy lead. Sullivan quickly made a tip with 1,21 to play to trail 80-76. Blunt made a huge lay in as Rhondorf trailed 80-78 with 5.2 seconds to play. But the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t control their nerves getting a flagrant foul and Jawara and Hecker closed out the game with clutch free throws. “Rhondorf fought back and gave us problems in crunch time with transition, but we never gave up. Jawara made a big shot and we made our free throws”, added Jervis Scheffs “They executed better and just played harder than we did”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Orange Academy was led by Jervis Scheffs with 21 points. Alec Anigbata had 17 points and Sibu Jawara supplied 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tyreese Blunt with 22 points and Avery Sullivan had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Orange Academy shot 40% from the field and 26% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the field and 21% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore in Frankfurt
Times really seems to fly when all you do is cover basketball all day. I can remember seeing DJ Woodmore (190-SG-1992, college: VWU) play for the first time in his rookie season almost 10 years ago in Frankfurt. Back then he had a solid game with 21 points, but little else worked for the Bis Baskets Speyer as they lost by 21 points. He would rebound in the return game in Speyerthat season guiding his team to a great 94-84 victory as he poured in 25 points. Nobody on the Frankfurt team are around in 2024, but some things never change as only 2 people are left from that Speyer team head coach Carl Mbassa and Woodmore in 2024. Another thing also doesn´t change and that is the yearly birthday. The Virginia native Woodmore recently turned 32 years of age and times really has flown by. “It feels amazing. 10 years since I moved to Germany and I feel thankful to still be playing at a pretty high level. I never would have thought 10 years ago, I would have been in this position. Very thankful. Time has moved fast. I definitely learned to embrace and take in the moments. The time with the family and friends is everything. But also the time by myself means just as much. I´m extremely thankful for the people that are still around to make the day special”, stated DJ Woodmore. Having to celebrate that birthday in the prime time of winter overseas isn´t always easy when you can´t have all family and friends around from stateside. But when you have been overseas as long as he has, you get used to it the same way you do with food and other facets of the German culture. “I’ve adjusted and learned to make the most of the day regardless where I am and if I can see someone in person or not”, stressed DJ Woodmore. After being overseas so long, birthdays tend to become more of a routine than something being unique. “Wake up, practice, answer some texts and phone calls, relax, and practice again! Summer birthdays are probably a little better I’d suppose”, said DJ Woodmore.
Only a few weeks ago, the ex Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3)guard who wants the 49ers to win the Superbowl, but knows it´s tough to bet against Mahomes hit Ludwigsburg for 40 points which was a career high and that began a 3 game winning streak for the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. They did lose last week against Coburg, but still the team is playing their best basketball of the season having won 3 of their last 4 games. “I think the chemistry and some of the younger guys having a bit more confidence and experience has set it. It feels like everybody is still on the same page and also having Marko back, helps us big time”, warned DJ Woodmore. At the moment they are in 10th place and fighting for the last playoff spot just 1win away. Only 2 wins separate the 4th team from 10th team Speyer. There are still 8 games to play and a lot of basketball left. Can Speyer slip into the playoffs? “I hope so. This stretch between January and February is really important. So far so good. Just can’t relax at the moment”, added DJ Woodmore. He has really picked up his game in the last 4 games averaging 26,0ppg, 6,0rpg and 4,0apg while shooting a colossal 42 for 69 from the field. He seems not to have changed his breakfast from Corn Flakes to Wheaties as there is no secret. “Nothing really, just being a little more aggressive but also other guys starting to step up and make more shots, allows me to get open looks. I just have to knock them down when I get them”, warned DJ Woodmore. So how did the quick guard celebrate his 32nd birthday? It was during the 3 game winning streak. “Just practice and a lot of sugar. I gave up sugar for the month of January, so the last few days and weeks were difficult. But being able to celebrate at the end of the month, makes it all worth it. Cakes, Haribo, huge breakfast, everything”, expressed DJ Woodmore. He definatley doesn´t get up for birthdays the way kids do, but instead looks at the long picture of life. “I’m just looking forward each year to the challenge ahead and the next step in my life. Always optimistic about the future”, said DJ Woodmore. Did his teammates think of him on his birthday? There are some German traditions that Americans will never understand. “I got some birthday wishes, but they made me bring a cake to practice. Weird German tradition I’ll never understand”, stressed DJ Woodmore.
The ex EPG Basket guard who believes Luka Doncic could be the third NBA player to crack 80 points in a game after Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant isn´t a kid anymore, but he has fond memories of his childhood birthdays. “Usually my birthday fell on or around the Super Bowl so it was always great to have a huge party and watch the game the entire night. All my friends at the house playing ball and video games that day”, remembered DJ Woodmore. I grew up in a totally older generation and can remember liking some kind of Stars Wars toy as being my favorite Birthday present and later as a 11 year old meeting German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer in New York City. For the newer generation like Woodmore, the trend goes a different direction and one that isn´t too surprising. “The Nintendo 64 easily was my favorite birthday gift!! I haven’t missed a gaming console since my first then. I still have my Nintendo to”, smiled DJ Woodmore. When your birthday was always around the Superbowl as a kid, it´s no surprise what his favorite children´s party was. “ My favorite kids party was the Super Bowl. Even though my team lost to the Broncos that night, I will always remember it as good times”, added DJ Woodmore. As a kid you have so many birthday wishes and dreams, but how is it as an adult? His dream now definitely isn´t material. “Today the dream isn’t so big, just want to enjoy every moment I can while I’m still able to make a career and life while living my dream to play pro ball”, warned DJ Woodmore. I and many basketball folk hope that DJ Woodmore plays for many more years, because it´s simply always a delight to see him give his all despite not being a young buck anymore. Keep grinding DJ.
Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball
Congrats Shawn on another win this time 72-65 against the Lowen. You last lost 2.5 months ago. How crazy is that? Thank you. I didn’t realize it’s been that long but it’s crazy that we are on a 9 game win streak and playing very good at the perfect time.
How did it feel winning a close game again? The last 3 games had been blow out wins. It just felt good winning period. We always go into the game wanting to blow teams out but it’s especially nice that we were able to beat the two teams that beat us in the first half of the season. These were very important wins for us.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was BG Hagen ever in danger of losing the game? I think no. We had our defensive plan that worked pretty much the whole game and we knew it was going to be defense that won this game. They went on a run towards the end but we kept our composure and finished the game.
The stats were pretty even as there were only 12 combined turnovers. Did the shooting percentages decide the game or more the little things?
I think defense essentially won the game but big shots from our guys and big stops on defense was the decider.
What was it like battling Jamal Wright? You combined for 48 points. What was most annoying about his game? Jamal was a very good player to play against and really challenged me on defense and stole the ball from me a couple times which was most annoying for me. But it was fun going at each other and we’re fortunate to have come out on top.
You had another top game of 24/12. It wasn´t a explosive game for you, but still a top performance. What did you take from your game that was most positive?
I think a positive was I continued to be aggressive even when I felt I didn’t get the foul calls I usually would get but I kept putting pressure on their bigs inside and was able to make plays.
You continue to do a great job limiting turnovers. How much has the extra work paid off for you? I’m just trying to really fix it now before playoffs so I won’t have these high turnover games when it matters most.
You now have a 3 week break, Good or not so good for the long 9 game winning streak?
Not good for sure. I think the last thing we need is a long break but luckily we have our Pokal game against top team Essen. This will be a big test for us and we want to continue on our right path.
Isaiah Sanders (196-G/F, college: Fairmont St.) is a 196cm forward from Erial, New Jersey that is playing his rookie season in Germany with the Nurnberg Falcons BC averaging 7,8ppg and 1,1rpg. He began his basketball career with Timber Creek Regional high school. He then played a season at Notre Dame College (NCAA2) averaging 12.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 83.7%. He then played 4 seasons at Fairmont State University (NCAA2) playing a total of 113 games averaging 14.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 82.4%, in his second season 20.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 49.5%, FT: 89.4%, in his third season 21.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 89.2% and in his fourth season 18.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 87.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Isaiah for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany with Pro A team Nurnberg. What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the country Germany?
So far I have had a good experience playing in Germany ProA. Being so far away from home definitely took time to adjust too, but once I became more accustomed to the culture and lifestyle things have been going well. As a rookie there are always ups and downs but I am learning and getting better each day. So far I’ve really enjoyed the food and the welcoming loving culture the people, and my teammates have shown.
Your playing your rookie season in Germany. What has been your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? My biggest wake up call being a rookie when I realized I was far away from home was either when I learned there were no dryers for clothes, or when I went out to eat for the first time and couldn’t read the menu.
You haven´t put up the explosive stats that you did in the NCAA 2, but still solid. What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the NCAA 2 to the Pro A? I haven’t been able to put up the explosive numbers I did in NCAA D2 yet in my rookie year, but I am still learning and getting better. Biggest thing for me is just trying to find the best shots for me within our offense and execute the way our coach wants us too. It’s a long season, I know I will have success. Some things take time and learning curves too have success.
What has it like been playing with German player Bastian Doreth? He is a former German national player. Could the team have a better captain than him? Basti Doreth is a great guy and I’m glad I’m able to play with him and compete against him in practice each day. I try to pick his brain and learn little detailed things from him each day. I am glad that he is a captain on our team.
What have you appreciated most about your teammates Cortney Alexander and Anthony Gaines?
Courtney and Anthony have been great teammates for me this season. Both of them have some pro experience already and are a little older than me as well, so at times when I struggle or don’t understand something they help inform me on certain things or are just there to pick me back up when I need it.
What has it been like playing for head coach Virgil Matthews who is in his first year. He was a guard like you as a player. What do you feel has been the most vital basketball ingredient that you have soaked up from him?
Playing for Coach Virgil I’ve learned a lot since arriving with the team. He was a guard like me when he played and he has shown me how to make proper reads in pick n roll actions. I’m usually a player that plays off the ball so I don’t usually operate in those areas, but Virgil has helped me start to develop that part of my game a little more.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? It’s hard to compare my game to just one specific player. I would say my game is a culmination of many players: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Lebron, Zach LaVine, KD. I gravitate to athletic players that can shoot the ball well and explode to the basket.
Your a guy that can fill the stat sheet. Does your scoring overshadow your versatility? I would hope my scoring doesn’t overshadow my versatility. I am a basketball player at the end of the day. I feel as though I can do many things on the court besides just score. I love to make winning plays whether that be making a pass or taking a charge. I am a high level scorer, yes, and on most teams I’ve been on that has been my role, but I can do many things at a high level as well.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. What is the biggest challenge overseas to be able to hit that shot with consistency?
My three pointer hasn’t been falling in some of our games recently but I still have full confidence in myself that I will make them. I wouldn’t say anything is different when it comes to Europe and making shots. For me it’s mostly understanding where my shots will come from and making them when my opportunity is there.
What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you want to become down the road?
I’m the type of defender that enjoys getting his hands on the ball whether that be a steal on the ball or a simple deflection in the passing lanes. At the point in my career I want to continue to get better when it comes to guarding good guards 94 feet and staying in front of my man on a consistent basis.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? I’ve heavily focused on improving my reads and decision making when having the ball in my hands, mostly in pick and roll situations. Creating opportunities for my teammates with the ball in my hand is some way shape or form.
You played a season at Notre Dame College (NCAA2) averaging 12.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 83.7%. You won the MEC title against West Liberty, the team you would beat again 2 years later with a different school. How crazy is that?
I had a successful freshman year at NDC where we won the 1st championship in school history and made a tournament berth for the first time as well. West Liberty was the team I played in both championships I won in college. They are a great program and it always felt good to play high level basketball and beat them.
You played at Fairmont State (NCAA2) from 2019-2023. Was this the best decision that you made in your life going there? You won the 2021 MEC title over West Liberty 102-99. How tired were you after that game. The team played 6 guys.
Going to Fairmont was a great decision for my basketball journey because it allowed me to grow on and off the court. Fairmont is a top D2 program with many eyes watching. Playing at Fairmont you have no choice but to elevate your game. I appreciate my Head Coach Tim Koenig for bringing me with him from Notre Dame to Fairmont. I was exhausted after the championship game. West Lib pressures you for 40 minutes, but it was all worth it in the end.
You really enjoyed playing against West Liberty. You beat them twice to win a title with 2 different schools and then exploded for 42 points in another game. What memories do you have of that game?
My memories from that game against West Liberty was really just being in a zone that I feel like I’ve never been in before. I wanted to win so bad and do whatever I had to do to help my team.
How much of a role model has Thad Mcfadden been? He played your school and proved he can reach the highest level with the Spanish ACB after paying his dues for many years?
I have never met Thad, but his name still lingers throughout Fairmont’s athletic program. I’m able to be one of the people that’s name can be said in the same room as him.
Have you ever met him? If you didn´t would you ask him something about when he was Dennis Schroeder´s back up in Germany before he had even been drafted by the NBA? I have never met him, but maybe one day we can connect and speak about our experiences at Fairmont and the pro level.
How did head coach Tim Koenig groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Tim Koenig is a great man. Not just a great coach, but a better person. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without him. He believed in me before I did myself. He just prepared me for life, being a man, handling my business. Basketball he just always allowed me to be myself and allowed me to make mistakes and grow.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Briggs Parris?
1-on-1 me and Briggs I’d say I got the best of him a few times, but he’d give me buckets as well. In a shooting competition you could flip a coin and decide the winner between the two of us.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
At the D2 level I haven’t played anyone crazy that made the NBA, but scrimmaging against D1’s, Bowling Green’s Daequan Plowden plays in the NBA G League and has gotten some NBA opportunities. In High School I played against Cam Reddish and Mo Bamba who are currently big time names in the NBA.
Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?
1.) Dale Bonner (Fairmont teammate/ currently at Ohio State
2.) Bruce Hodges (Notre Dame College
3.) Will Vorhees (currently with Pacers G-League)
4)Seth Younkin/ Zyon Dobbs/ Briggs Paris (Fairmont State teammates)
5.) My best friends from High School
*NO SPECIFIC ORDER*
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, Wilt Chamberlain
Who is your GOAT and why?
My GOAT is Lebron James. I feel like he has exemplified what a high level athlete should be. He has been at the top even before he became an NBA player. He exceeded the hype behind his name and continues to kill everything he does, on the court and as a businessman.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I saw half of Coming To America 2, never got to finish it. Maybe that should tell you something hahaha. But I love movies, I’m a big movie person and I feel like we are normalizing remaking famous movies 30+ years later. I feel like we should leave the classics alone and create something new and original.
What does a Team do after one of their most bitter loses of the last 3 years? Well just wipe away the tears and frustration and get back on the court. Just how much pain a guy like the heart and soul of the EPG Baskets Koblenz Marvin heckle had to endure in the 2 crushing loses to the Fraport Skyliners this season is something that is very difficult to comprehend, but the team didn´t have any time to ponder, but get back on the saddle in their beautiful CGM living room for their next opponent Giessen who were sitting in 5th place. They like Frankfurt have also had a strong season taking a 13-8 record to Koblenz and had enjoyed a 3 game winning streak. The EPG Koblenz who took a totally different mentality to Frankfurt under new head coach Marco Van Den Berg and possibly played their best game of the season had to take that same focus again against a always pesky team with Giessen. On a untypical mild February night, the EPG Baskets Koblenz were unable to match the furious intensity that they displayed in Frankfurt and had to play catch up all night long after a disastrous first quarter losing 91-76 to the JobStairs Giessen 46ers. “We played at only 50% of the intensity that we showed in Frankfurt. I think that the quick turnaround also effected us. They just wanted it more than us. They did a good job taking away our inside game and we couldn´t adjust”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Ryan Richmond. Giessen came out prepared and played a solid game for 40 minutes sharing the ball well and stuck to their defensive principles and never allowed Koblenz too get over the hump. “Our defense was the difference tonight. Our goal was to keep Koblenz under 80 points. We had problems limiting the offensive rebound in the first half, but did a lot better job in the second half”, stressed JobStairs Giessen 46er Stefan Fundic (200-F-1994).
Gabril De Oliveira from outside
The EPG Baskets Koblenz threw the first offensive punch with a pretty Richmond jumper, but that didn´t rattle Giessen in the least as they responded with a lethal 9-0 run to lead 9-2. In the run the guests got a trey from ex German national player Robin Benzing, 2 free throws by ex Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson and 2 back to back back door scores by ex Braunschweig German Luis Figge. Giessen played beautiful team basketball and just made smart plays while Koblenz lacked communication on defense and lacked intensity on offense and were timid. Basketball will always be a game of runs as Koblenz roared back on a 8-3 run to trail 12-10. In the run the heart and soul of the EPG Baskets Marvin Heckel delivered 2 three´s and German Maurice Pluskota made a lay in. But Koblenz couldn´t take advantage of their run as they suffered their usual in game down phases as they allowed a 15-4 run to trail 27-14 after 10 minutes. In the run, Giessen received key input from Stefan Fundic who supplied 5 points including a three pointer. He isn´t really known for being a 3 point shooter, but he came into the game on a hot streak having shot 4/7 from downtown. Giessen let it rain three´s getting one from Wilson and one from German big man Jonathan Maier who took his first of the season. “Koblenz tried to paly hedge defense so we answered with the back door cuts. We were prepared and adjusted well whenever we had to”, stated Stefan Fundic. “We didn´t defend well and had no body language. We had nothing close to the intensity that we had in Frankfurt. That quarter was hard to digest”, said EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein.
Jonathan Maier at the FT line
The EPG Baskets Koblenz picked up their game in the second quarter, but couldn´t stay consistent as they let up a bit in the last minutes and trailed 45-36. Koblenz began well going on a 5-0 run as German Leo Saffer took his momentum from the end of the first quarter where he scored into quarter 2 with an offensive rebound and put back and ex Bonn center Gabriel De Oliveira hit a three pointer to trail 27-19. Koblenz got good energy from their bench as Americans Trey Hall and Caleb Huffman scored, but they couldn´t make any ground as 9 year Pro A veteran Jonathan Maier continued to be a force on the glass scoring twice giving Giessen the 34-23 advantage. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had more intensity and attacked the lane more and crashed the boards better. Koblenz continued to fight and made a 9-0 run to trail Giessen only 34-32. Ex BBL player Leon Friederici was a spark plug from the bench nailing a catch and pop jumper and a floater while Hall made a lay in and free throw. “We were more dynamic and more aggressive. Giessen wasn´t able to get to the rim easily, but we were still 30% below the intensity of Frankfurt”, stressed Thomas Klein. Once again Koblenz was unable to remain consistent and suffered another lull in their play relinquishing a 11-4 run to trail 45-36 at half time. In the run, the guests got important lay in´s from Fundic and Wilson and Maier once again hurt Koblenz with his seemingly new born inside out game hitting a trey and making a tip in. “Our defense was better, but our offense had no flow and was static. We were unable to create good ball movement”, said Thomas Klein. “Maier was amazing tonight. Whenever he gets more minutes, he is able to heighten his game. I think he is one of the best German big men in the Pro A”, commented Stefan Fundic.
Leon Friederici with the floater
The JobStairs Giessen 46ers continued to play solid basketball and didn´t allow any big Koblenz run and hampered them from getting over the hump. Here and there, Koblenz would go on mini runs, but Giessen always had an answer. Giessen got on the board first as ex Stony Brook (NCAA) forward Roland Nyama connected on a jumper to lead 47-36. Koblenz had problems on the free throw line as German big man Moses Poelking missed 2 and later in the quarter would miss 2 again, but at least their 3 was falling as Hall and Friederici hit back to back three´s as Giessen led only 47-42. “When you play agile and dynamic, good things happen”, stressed Thomas Klein. But the up and down play of Koblenz resurfaced again and bit them in the butt as Giessen served up a 7-0 run to lead 54-42. Koblenz was just too harmless on defense allowing easy baskets right and left as Fundic made a step back jumper, Maier a jumper and Wilson a trey. It also didn´t help Koblenz as captain Marvin Heckel left the game because of injury. Friederici and Hall made consecutive three´s to trail Giessen 54-48, but Koblenz just couldn´t buy any stops on defense. Figge and Fundic scored again upping Giessen´s advantage to 62-52. Both teams continued to score as De Oliveria and Huffman scored, but Giessen had answers with Dejan Kovacevic and Simon Krajcovic free throws and a Robin Benzing trey to lead 69-56 after three quarters. Fundic continued to be a severe menace for Koblenz with his scoring game especially scoring in different ways. “I felt good coming in. My shots had been falling the last games. Everyone trusts each other to take shots. I have played in higher leagues and played against more skilled and athletic players which forced me to learn to find different ways of scoring”, explained Stefan Fundic. “Fundic is a very unique player. He is undersized and he forces the defense to play honestly. His teammates fed him well”, stated Ryan Richmond.
Luis Figge from outside
In the fourth quarter the JobStairs Giessen 46ers continued to execute well at both ends and just finished the game strong while the EPG Baskets Koblenz executed well on offense, but defensively just lacked that extra will to want to stop their opponent. In the first few minutes, Richmond who had been limited to 4 points in the first 30 minutes scored twice as did Stefan Fundic who was a one man wrecking crew who really scored from anywhere on the floor as Giessen led 75-62. The EPG Baskets Koblenz attempted one more comeback as they cut the Giessen lead down to 9 points. Friederici was aggressive getting to the free throw line twice and extra aggressive Trey Hall who won a JUCO title hit a trey to trail 78-69. But Giessen slammed the door shut on Koblenz with a 8-2 run to decide the game 86-71. Fundic and Krajcovic sealed the win with three´s as at the end of the day they had made a respectable 12 three´s. De Oliveira finished the game strong with 5 points while little used German Luca Kahl made a three pointer and Wilson made free throws to close out the game. “We knew that Koblenz would try to play fast in the last quarter. We slowed down the game and brought the points home”, said Stefan Fundic. “We couldn´t get stops. We had no communication and Giessen did a good job exposing our weaknesses. They made tough shots and played good pick and roll”, stated Ryan Richmond. The Giessen 46ers had 6 guys in double figures as Stefan Fundic had 21 points. Jonathan Maier and Duane Wilson added 14 points a piece while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 17 points and Trey Hall added 14 points. The JobStairs Giessen 46ers shot 53% from the field and 55% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 50% from the field and 40% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers.
It doesn’t happy often, but it is always refreshing when I not only read someone referring Larry Bird as their Goat, but a guy who is a few generations separated from people who actually call Mr versatile Bird the Goat. I started conducting the what is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the GOAT between Jordan and Lebron many years ago and I should have conducted stats to see who actually was more popular. If I had to guess to who had more votes, I’m pretty sure Jordan would have won. It was usually the older players that took Jordan and the younger generation that picked Lebron. But one would be surprised how many younger players stuck with Jordan just showing major respect for the guy who had a 6-0 finals record. Recently I decided to change the question to ‘who’s your GOAT. I mean why should one only pick between these 2 players. There were so many great players before these 2 legends like A Chamberlain or Russell or Kareem or Magic Johnson. Since I began this question, the 2 guys in question with Jordan and Lebron continue to get the most votes, but guys like Steph Curry and Tim Duncan also have gotten the nod. As a Bostonian native, it’s really refreshing and awesome when you hear the name Larry Bird. I mean why not, he won 3 NBA titles, MVP awards and just could do so much on the court even if he had little athleticism. His shooting will always stick in the mind of many, but for me it was always his passing. So when it was time to do a question and answer with American big man Alex Gross (208-C/F-2000, college: Morehead St.), he wooed me with giving me the thumbs up for the hick from French Lick Larry Bird. ‘He was close to home and I just always thought he was the best because of the way he played. I just admire his work ethic and how he played the game. I loved how tough he was and made everyone around him better’, stressed Alex Gross. In a way, it doesn’t surprise me too much that a guy who is versatile and knows how to fill the stat sheet and had triple doubles in school would admire and like the game of a Larry Bird.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Nov 2023 front of Larry Bird´s old house from the 80´s in Boston
Alex Gross who remembers Trayce Jackson-Davis as being his toughest foe in the NCAA was born on June 4th, 2000 in Hope Indiana. He began his basketball career at Hauser high school and then had an illustrious 4 year career at Olivet Nazarene University. He helped win the CCAC regular season each season and won the CCAC title in 2022 and reached 2 finals. He was able to improve his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season. In his first 2 seasons he averaged 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 70.8% and 15.4ppg, 10.5rpg, 2.4apg, 3.7bpg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 86.0%, but his game really skyrocketed in his last two seasons as he exploded averaging 21.6ppg, 11.7rpg, 4.6apg, 4.1bpg, FGP: 63.5%, FT: 86.4%, and 23.8ppg, 14.1rpg, 5.6apg, 3.2bpg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 82.5%. ‘I was blessed to be able to go to a great university to start my basketball career. I would say my game grew by gaining experience and learning what my strengths and weaknesses were. I became a lot stronger and faster over those four years as well which helped me be better on the court. The biggest area of growth was my ability to block shots as well as my low-post scoring and passing’, stressed Alex Gross. He showed his early Larry Bird like qualities with filling the stat sheet and doing everything possible for his team by registering 3 triple doubles against St Francis, Grace and Holy Cros and was 3 assists away from a quadruple double against Judson as he had swatted away 10 balls. ‘Statistically that near quadruple double was probably my best game in college. My favorite triple double was probably against Grace. It was just one of those games where everything was clicking for me’, added Alex Gross. It’s hard to believe with all his personal success, that he only won one CCAC title, but when that is the case, you need to cherish that moment as best as possible. ‘I remember just the battle that it was against Lourdes and when my teammate Tyler hit the game winner in the corner in front of our home crowd’, stated Alex Gross. He played 118 games and scored in double figures in 89 games, scored 20 points or more 44 times and had 59 double doubles. He had a 43 point explosion against GSU, 41 points against Lincoln and 40 points against Cardinal Stritch. It is no secret that head coach Nick Birkey was vital in his development as a player there. ‘Coach Birkey had a big impact on my career. He helped me build confidence in myself and gave me so many opportunities throughout the four years. He always adjusted schemes for me to play at my highest level. Coach always showed trust in me and that is all a player asks for’, said Alex Gross. He left the school being a 2 time CCAC first team selection, All-NAIA D2 Honorable Mention , All-CCAC Player of the Year -2021, 22, NAIA All-America Second Team -2021, CoSIDA NAIA Academic All-District 2 Team -2022, All-CCAC First Team -2022, and NAIA All-America First Team -2022. He decided to play a 5th year and played at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 57.2%, FT: 70.1%. He helped the team reach the NIT Sweet 16 and scored in double figures 25 times and had 12 double doubles and demonstrated that he could continue to develop further despite moving from the 4th to the first college league. ‘My game grew a lot playing in a tougher division. I would say my low post game became stronger against tough competition and the cerebral part of my game grew. I became a lot smarter and more mentally tough throughout that season. Coach Spradlin has had a huge impact on my career. He really showed me the kind of routine a professional needs to have and how to approach the game mentally as a professional. He really helped me grow as a player’, remembered Alex Gross who always beat teammate Reiss Jones in 1-1 battles in practice. His top scoring games were against KY Christian and Tennessee Tech were he had 23 points a piece. He left after 1 year picking up various achievements like CSC NCAA Division I Academic All-District Team -2023, All-OVC Defensive Player of the Year -2023, All-OVC First Team -2023, OVC All-Newcomer Team -2023, and NABC Division I All-District 18 Second Team -2023
The Indiana native who lists Nic Reed, Andrew Thelwell, Mark Freeman, Dane Schlafley, and John Contant as some of his best teammates in his career began his rookie season overseas with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden and didn’t waste anytime picking up his first chip with the Supercup. ‘The super cup was special for us because it was one of the first wins of the season. I think it helped all of us buy into what we were trying to do as a team’, warned Alex Gross. The club has won 5 titles in the last 3 seasons and don’t want to stop there. ‘I could tell from day 1 that winning was the number one goal for this team and I am glad that so far we have been able to have a successful season’, stressed Alex Gross. It is no wonder that the rookie experience so far has been one that he has liked not only on the court, but off. ‘I have really enjoyed getting to enjoy a different culture. This is my first time in Europe so I am learning so much about the history and way of life here and gaining perspective on life. I have also enjoyed getting to know my new teammates and build relationships with them’, commented Alex Gross. The club is near the top of the BNXT league which combines the Dutch and Belgium leagues and is a league that is on the rise. The club has showed they can have success with only 2 Americans on the squad. The other American is highly talented Tajion Jones who like Gross is a rookie, but both have adjusted well to the style and each other. ‘I have enjoyed playing with Tajion a lot. Obviously he is a great player but it is nice to go through everything with someone who is in the same stage with you. We have helped each other through different adversity all year’, explained Alex Gross. He is putting up 11/8 stats in the BNXT league and 8/5 stats in the Fiba Europe Cup and has profited from the mastermind head coach Doug Spradley. ‘I have benefited a lot from Coach. I think he has helped Tajion and I bridge that gap between the American and European style of play since there are some differences. He obviously has had a lot of experience playing and coaching in Europe so he has passed that knowledge to us’, expressed Alex Gross.
The ex Morehead State (NCAA) forward who lists Larry Bird, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, and Hakeem Olajuwon on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a player that doesn’t compare his game to Larry Bird, but to another incredible big man that like Bird doesn’t refrain to showing his love of passing the game. ‘I don’t know if I play like one exact player but I try to take different things from other guys’ style of play and add it to my game. I would say I try to play like Pau or Marc Gasol’, said Alex Gross. Despite being such a versatile big man and filling the stats like a Westbrook back in the NAIA, he doesn’t shoot the three as much as a Bird, but he is seeking to become an even more versatile shooter. ‘I would say I fit the mold of a classic big guy but I am always trying to get better. I have started to shoot mid-range a lot more this year and hoping to keep increasing my range while also work on passing to help my teammates be better’, stressed Alex Gross. Even though he averaged almost 6,0 assists in his last NAIA, his passing game is one that doesn’t get noticed the way it really should. ‘I feel like my passing is off the radar somewhat. I feel like it is an area that I can really shine in as I keep gaining more experience throughout my career’, warned Alex Gross. When you watch Larry Bird videos from back in the day, it is very apparent that he enjoyed playing defense and it isn’t any different with Gross. ‘I feel like I am a smart defender in the sense of timing shots to block them or telling the guard where to go on ball screen coverages. I want to keep getting better with my ball screen coverage. I enjoy defense a lot so I want to try to become an all around defender on the court’, warned Alex Gross. It is obvious that even a guy like him who already has that versatility as a staple in his game isn’t refraining on working diligently on his game to continue to get better. ‘I’m working on my lateral quickness and ball screen coverage on defense. Offensively, I am trying to become a better outside shooter and passer to be able to become more effective’, stressed Alex Gross. It will be interested where Alex Gross‘s basketball journey will go in the next years. One thing is for sure, his versatile game will surely grow in the next years and he will be producing new wow moments on the court the same way Larry Bird used to do.
German Hoops 